MEET DEREK

I was born in Sarasota, then raised in Venice and North Port. Inspired by the teachers that mentored me, I decided to become a teacher. I was determined to give back and mentor the next generation as the previous generation had done for me. Consequently, after graduating high school, I attended Florida State University where I went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education in 2018, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2020. Becoming the first in my family to graduate from college and doing so with no student loan debt.

My teaching career began in Sarasota… 

SARASOTA COUNTY BORN & RAISED